6 min read
2024-10-25
Organic Camellia and Camelina Seed Oils: Similar Names, Unique Benefits
Written By: Robin Lander
Aroma, feel, nutrient composition, stability… while all vegetal carrier oils are moisturizing and nourishing, the beauty lies in their unique properties and skincare benefits. Our two newest carrier oils, certified organic Camellia and Camelina, may have names that sound the same, but there’s no confusing the distinct virtues of these supreme skincare oils. Let’s explore Camellia and Camelina Seed Oils and learn why you want them in your skin and hair care routine.
Different Plant Families and Omega Profiles
As part of the tea family, you may recognize Camellia as an ornamental garden favorite known as ‘Tea Oil’ Camellia. The evergreen flowering Camellia bush originated in China and has also been cultivated in Japan for thousands of years. The cold pressed seed oil has traditionally been used by Samurai, woodworkers, and chefs to protect swords and metal blades from rust and discoloration, attesting its superior antioxidant properties.
These protective antioxidants, along with vitamins A and E, nourishing polyphenols, and naturally occurring squalene offer exceptional moisturizing and conditioning benefits for skin, hair, and nails. However, it’s Camellia Seed Oil’s remarkably high content of monounsaturated Omega-9 Oleic acid – around 80% – that makes it stand apart as an ideal choice for mature and dry skin and hair, helping to retain moisture and elasticity, especially during cold and dry winter months.
Camelina Seed Oil, on the other hand, is renowned for its high levels of beneficial Omega-3 alpha Linoleic acid at about 40% and Linoleic acid at about 20%, giving an optimal Omega 3 and 6 ratio of 2:1. When applied to the skin, these essential fatty acids act as powerful emollients, helping the skin retain moisture while supporting the skin’s own protective barrier against impurities and dehydration. With a similar composition as Flax Oil, Camelina leaves skin feeling soft, toned, and nourished.
Part of the Brassica family, Camelina is a related to mustard and cabbage and has been cultivated in Northern Europe since prehistoric times.[1] Growing within and near Flax fields, it is also known as ‘False Flax’ for its similar appearance and uses. Camelina Seed Oil has been used for centuries to fuel oil lamps and improve the condition and shine of the coats of horses. Today, Camelina Seed Oil is widely used in all types of scalp and hair care formulations, lauded for conditioning hair with a glossy shine.
Aroma and Feel on the Skin
Camellia Seed Oil contains naturally occurring tannins that help it feel like a ‘dry oil’ on the skin. Lightly astringent, it is beneficial for overactive and oily skin without feeling heavy or clogging pores.[2] Mature and dry skin may also benefit from direct application of Camellia Seed Oil, or it can be added to cosmetics for after-sun and lip care, masks, creams, body oils, cuticle and nail conditioners, and products for dry scalp and hair. It is particularly indicated for adding luster to dry hair and nails. It has a very faint seed-like aroma.
Camelina Seed Oil has a lightweight, smooth feel that lends conditioning properties to dry, mature, or congested skin without feeling greasy. It can be applied directly to the skin or added to formulations for after-sun, body and beard care, and facial serums, particularly those that help improve skin tone and the appearance of sun-exposed skin. It has a mildly herbaceous, earthy aroma, reminiscent of asparagus.
Stability and Sustainability
Camellia’s high Oleic acid and natural antioxidant content give it moderate stability, however it should be kept in a cool, dry place and used within 1 year of purchase. Refrigerating this oil can extend its shelf life to up to 2 years.
Camelina’s high levels of antioxidants and vitamin E make a relatively stable carrier oil compared to most. We recommend storing in a cool, dark place and using within 2 years of the purchase date.
Both Camellia and Camelina are widely cultivated and are not considered ‘at-risk’ plants, making these oils an excellent choice in sustainable skincare. Both oils are cold pressed, a process that produces less waste and has a lower environmental footprint over high-heat, industrial or chemical extraction methods.
Cleansing and Softening in Personal Care Formulations
Camellia Seed Oil is a popular addition to soaps, shampoos, and hair oils for its luxurious, clean feel and its softening properties.
Camelina Seed Oil is enjoyed by formulators for adding beautiful golden color and conditioning benefits to hydrating soaps, cleansers, creams, and hair care formulations.
No matter which oil you choose, you’re sure to find the beauty in the benefits of these two amazing carrier oils!
Here is a recipe for a nourishing Beautiful Beard Oil to give your facial hair a healthy appearance and fresh aroma. This lightweight blend won’t weigh down your beard or leave it feeling greasy.
Beautiful Beard Oil
Ingredients:
3 Large Measuring Stem Pipettes
7ml Camellia Seed Oil - Organic
7ml Camelina Seed Oil - Organic
3 drops Buddha Wood Oil essential oil
6 drops Cypress Leaf – Organic essential oil
9 drops Red Mandarin essential oil
Directions:
Set the 1 oz. bottle on a paper towel to absorb any spills. Use the large measuring pipettes to add each carrier oil (Camellia, Camelina, and Sunflower Oils) to the bottle. Then, use the fine pipettes to add each essential oil (Buddha Wood, Cypress Leaf, Red Mandarin). Twist on the pump top and gently shake to combine.
Dispense a few drops into the hand, rub palms together, and apply to beard to soften, add shine, and control frizz.
We recommend performing a patch test when working with any of our ingredients topically, especially before use on the face. Please check the Safety Considerations under the "Details" section of the product pages and always check with your physician before using any oils if you are on medication or have a serious medical condition.
1 Kusmirek, Jan. Liquid Sunshine – Vegetable Oils for Aromatherapy, 2002, p.122.
2 Parker, Susan M. Power of the Seed, 2014, p. 128.
